# Library Advisory Board Meeting: Jan. 9, 2025

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Library Advisory Board
**Date:** January 9, 2025 6:40 PM EST (2025-01-09T18:40:38-05:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613

## Summary

**Library Advisory Board Meeting Recap: January 9, 2025**

The Buncombe County Library Advisory Board held a virtual meeting on January 9, 2025, to address significant operational changes necessitated by county budget constraints. The primary focus of the session was a detailed report from the Library Director regarding staffing shortages and proposed adjustments to branch operating hours. These changes are a direct response to a countywide hiring freeze implemented due to reduced revenue following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

**Key Decisions**
The board’s only formal vote at this meeting was to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Ms. Stapleton moved to approve the minutes, and Mr. Miller seconded the motion. The vote passed. No formal votes were taken on the proposed service adjustments or budget cuts discussed during the Director’s Report; those items were presented for information and discussion rather than for board approval.

**Discussion Highlights**
The core of the meeting involved the Library Director’s presentation on how the library will manage a shortage of up to 13 staff members daily, caused by nine regular and four substitute vacancies. To maintain services across all 12 library locations while meeting the minimum service level required to receive $289,000 in state aid, the library is implementing a staggered schedule effective January 25. Under this plan, the Pack, East Asheville, Inca Candler, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville branches will remain on a five-day schedule. The Black Mountain, Fairview, Leicester, and Weaverville branches will shift to a four-day schedule (Wednesday through Saturday), while the Oakley and Swannanoa branches will shift to a three-day schedule (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). The Director emphasized that these adjustments are temporary measures based on data analysis of foot traffic and usage patterns, not a permanent reduction in service.

The Director also reported that the library has already made $204,000 in cuts to its discretionary budget, affecting travel, training, programming (including the postponement of One Book, One Buncombe), and the substitute staff budget. Assistant County Manager Tim Love provided context on the broader county financial situation, noting that while the county anticipates additional funding, most of it is directed toward infrastructure spending rather than library operations. He indicated that budget discussions would continue in February and encouraged the board to reach out to county commissioners. Board member Justice Rogers shared personal experiences regarding the Swannanoa Library’s role as a community hub during hurricane recovery efforts.

**Community Input**
No public comments were received or made during the meeting.

**Follow-ups**
Staff and board members outlined several next steps for the coming months. Managers of the branches with reduced hours will meet to discuss how to best utilize staff and resources on closed days. The Library Advisory Board, Friends of the Library, and the Trust Fund will collaborate on advocacy efforts to support the library system. Additionally, the county is initiating a renewed effort to recruit candidates for the three vacancies on the Library Advisory Board, and the library is working on a new volunteer policy to potentially utilize volunteers in the future.

**Impact**
This meeting highlights the direct impact of post-Hurricane Helene budget challenges on local library services. Residents should be aware that operating hours at six of the twelve library branches will change starting January 25. Despite these reductions, the library remains committed to keeping all 12 locations open and maintaining youth services and early literacy programs. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 13, with the specific location to be announced later.

## Agenda

- [Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613/item/24523)
- [Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613/item/24524)
- [Director’s Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613/item/24525)
- [New Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613/item/24526)
- [Call to Order](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613/item/25301)
- [Ethics Reminder](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613/item/25302)
- [Adjourn](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613/item/25303)

## Votes

- Ms. Stapleton moved to approve the minutes and Mr. Miller seconded. — Passed

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACo8FAJZi9E
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1109/segments

## Documents

- [supporting_2025-01-09.docx](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613?document=15748)
- [minutes_2025-01-09.docx](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613?document=15746)
- [agenda_2025-01-09.docx](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1613?document=15747)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACo8FAJZi9E)